(AFP FILE PHOTO / STR)
Supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi held protests on Friday, condemning the presidential elections which saw former Defence Minister Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi win in a sweeping victory.
Al-Sisi, who gained wide popularity after announcing the overthrow of Morsi on 3 July last year, is scheduled to be sworn in as new president of Egypt on Sunday.
At least one was reportedly killed and two injured in clashes which followed a pro-Morsi rally in Ayat, in the suburbs of Giza. According to the Ministry of Interior’s press office, casualties came after protesters clashed with other residents in the area.
The Freedom and Justice Party, the Muslim Brotherhood’s political wing, claimed that the death toll from the clashes was three. The Ministry of Health could not be reached for further information.
Fifty-two were arrested on Friday nationwide following the sporadic clashes, the interior ministry reported.
Supporters of Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood in Alexandria also organised several protests on Friday. The Ministry of Interior said one police officer was injured with birdshot while “security forces thwarted a Brotherhood rally.”
Friday protests have become common occurrences as pro-Morsi protesters gather after prayers in support of the ousted Islamist leader.
Al-Sisi was elected president by 96.9%, beating the only other contender, Nasserist politician Hamdeen Sabahy.
